Durham Dish

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The story: Every diner worth its salt has a great club sandwich on the menu. When Louie Givelas was trying to come up with the perfect version for the Rainbow Family Restaurant, he was looking for something that would stand out. “I wanted it to really knock people’s socks off,” says the chef and owner. That’s how the famous Tree House Sandwich was born. It’s been on the menu for about 20 years and is easily one of the most popular items at this legendary Oshawa eatery. Open since 1958, it’s one of the oldest restaurants in Canada to be owned by a single family. The “quadruple decker monster sandwich” as it’s billed on the menu, is built with four slices of buttered bread, quarter-inch thick slices of peameal back bacon, cheddar and Swiss cheese, smoked turkey, lettuce and tomato -- plus homemade coleslaw and pickle on the side. Fully assembled, the sandwich stands about six inches tall. “The first question I get is, ‘how am I supposed to eat this?’” says Mr. Givelas. “I tell them, that’s not my problem. I just make it.” He says some customers try squashing it down before taking a big bite, while others attack with a knife and fork or eat it in layers. Any way you go about it, the Tree House is a memorable meal. “It could probably feed a family of three,” Mr. Givelas jokes.

It costs: $9.99

It tastes like: Classic diner perfection

We’re looking for independent local restaurants with an interesting dish to share. Tell us about your secret family recipes, unique ingredients, award winners or customer favourites. E-mail jfollert@durhamregion.com to be featured in an upcoming Durham Dish.